This homemade apple butter is a slow-cooked masterpiece that captures the essence of autumn in every spoonful. By simmering firm cooking apples with dried apple bits, brown sugar, and a warm blend of cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and allspice, this recipe creates a deeply caramelized, velvety spread. The long cooking process reduces the fruit to a thick, glossy consistency, allowing the flavors to meld into a complex, sweet, and tangy treat. It’s incredibly versatile: spread it on warm toast, swirl it into oatmeal, or use it as a glaze for pork. Simple to make with pantry staples, this comforting preserve makes a wonderful homemade gift or a cozy addition to your breakfast table.
Diana’S Apple Butter
Description
This homemade apple butter is a slow-cooked masterpiece that captures the essence of autumn in every spoonful. By simmering firm cooking apples with dried apple bits, brown sugar, and a warm blend of cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and allspice, this recipe creates a deeply caramelized, velvety spread. The long cooking process reduces the fruit to a thick, glossy consistency, allowing the flavors to meld into a complex, sweet, and tangy treat. It&# 226;ÂÂs incredibly versatile: spread it on warm toast, swirl it into oatmeal, or use it as a glaze for pork. Simple to make with pantry staples, this comforting preserve makes a wonderful homemade gift or a cozy addition to your breakfast table.Ingredients
Directions
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Bring 1 cup of filtered apple juice to a boil in a small saucepan.
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Place dried apples in a glass or ceramic bowl and pour the hot juice over them; let sit until plump, about 1 hour.
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Peel, core, and chop the 8 pounds of firm cooking apples.
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Combine fresh chopped apples, plumped dried apples, and the soaking juice in a large kettle or Dutch oven.
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Add 1 cup of water, or enough to come about 1 inch up the side of the pan.
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Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then cover and reduce heat to low.
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Simmer for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until apples are very soft.
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Monitor water level frequently, adding a tablespoon at a time as needed to prevent burning.
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Transfer the cooked apple mixture to a food processor or blender and puree until smooth but not liquefied.
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Pour the puree into a clean saucepan and stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and allspice.
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Cook over low heat, stirring often, until the mixture thickens and reduces by about one-third, approximately 10 to 15 minutes.
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Remove from heat and let cool completely before refrigerating for at least 8 hours to allow flavors to meld.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 571.4kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 2.3g4%
- Saturated Fat 0.1g1%
- Cholesterol 1.5mg1%
- Sodium 16.8mg1%
- Total Carbohydrate 152.1g51%
- Dietary Fiber 24.8g100%
- Sugars 110.1g
- Protein 3.5g8%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.